Soldier Beetles

Cantharis decipiens Diatinctive common Can be found in a range of habitats, particularly where there are trees and shrubs, and particularly fond of Hawthorn blossom

Cantharis cryptica An orange/brown beetle with black rings above the 'knees' and all-yellow palps. There are several similar species and precise identification It may be found in long grass, on umbel flowers, bushes and trees.

Cantharis livida soldier beetle Cantharis livida has two colour variations a golden brown form and a darker form (var. rufipes). A useful feature for identification is that the back legs are partly black. There is also often a black mark on the pronotum, This is a carnivorous beetle, the adult hunts other insects, often waiting on flowers for potential prey to arrive. The larvae hunt snails and worms. local

Common Red Soldier Beetle - Rhagonycha fulva It has a red-orange body with a black tip Often seen on umbelifer flowers, such as Hogweed and Cow Parsley where they pounce on other insects

Cantharis nigricans Length 9 to 11 mm. One of the soldier beetles with grey-black elytra and a yellow-orange pronotum which may have a central darker mark. The black on the orange hind legs extends above the 'knee. Hedgerows and flower meadows where they visit blossom and flowers such as Hogweed and are carnivourus common.

Cantharis figurata Length 6 to 8 mm. This soldier beetle has an orange body, a partially black head and a dark but diffuse mark on its pronotum, sometimes reduced to a few spots. It also has dark femora which change to orange before the tibial joint. Rushy pasture, open damp woodland, waterside vegetation

Cantharis nigra Length 9 to 11 mm. One of the soldier beetles with grey-black elytra and a yellow-orange pronotum which may have a central darker mark. The black on the orange hind legs extends above the 'knee' Hedgerows and flower meadows where they visit blossom and flowers such as Hogweed carnivourus.